Method of removing rust from metal articles



Patented June 26, i923.

JULIAN S. GBAVELY, WYTHEVILLE, VIRGINIA, ASSIGNOR TO WINCHESTER RE-PEATING ARMS 60., OF NEW HAVEN, CONNECTICUT, A CORPORATION.

METHOD OF REMOVING RUST FROM METAL ARTICLES.

No Drawing T 0 wZZ whom it may concern.

Be it known that I, JULIAN S. GRAVELY, a citizen of the United States,residing at Wytheville, in the county of l/Vythe and State of Virginia,have invented a new and useful Improvement in Methods of Removing Rustfrom Metal Articles; and I do hereby declare the following to be a full,clear, and exact description of the same.

This invention relates to an improved method of removing rust from metalarticles, whether of iron alone, orof iron combined with other elements,or plated, the object being to provide a simple, convenient, effectiveand economical, rust removing method which will not corrode or otherwiseaffect the underlying metal in any degree, whereby the time, labor andexpense of removin rust mechanically, as well as the mutilation of theunderlying metal, is avoided.

With these ends in view, my invention consists in a method of removingrust from metal articles, consisting in subjecting them to the action ofa solution of the ammonium salt of an organic acid, such, for example,as citric or tartaric acid, and then, after a due interval of time,washing off the resulting slime produced by the reaction of the ammoniumsolution upon the rusted surface of the article.

i In carrying out my invention, I prefer to employ a 10% solution ofammonium citrate in water, though I do not confine myself to thispercentage, nor to the use of ammonium citrate, since many otherammonium salts of orgamc acids, such as the ammonium salt of tartaricacid, might be employed in substan; tially the same percentage. '1 donot, however, confine myselfto any percentage, since any percentagebetween about 8% and saturation will yield satisfactory results. A;solution below 8% is objectionable only because too slow in its actionfor its operation Application filed July 22, 1922, Serial No. 576,865.

to commercial advantage,-while the higher percentages, althoughefiective, may be considered objectionable on account of the expense ofthe salt. Preferably, the articles from which the rust is to be removedare immersed in the solution and left therein for a length of time,dependent upon the thickness of the coating of rust and upon theconvenience of the operator. After the reaction of the solution upon therusted surface is completed, the article is removed and washed withclean water, when it will be found free from rust and not attacked bythe solution.

If preferred, the solution may be applied to the article by a brush,sponge, cloth, or other carrier, but by far the best results are securedby immersion, since, if the solution dries upon the article, it will beineffective; One of the advantages proceeding from my 'method is thatthe article to be treated may be left in the solution indefinitelywithout harm. My improved method has been the ammonium salt of anorganic acid, and 75 then, after a due interval of time, washing oil theresulting slime produced by the reaction of the ammonium salt solutionupon the rusted surface of the article.

In testimony whereof, I have signed this specification in the presenceof two subscribing witnesses.

- JULIAN S. GRAVELY. Witnesses:

.Hnmam'rm M. Pnnme, 'ERIK S- :v n

plate or affecting the

